Alexandria City High School Begins Full Enforcement of “Off and Away” Device Policy Monday

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City High School students are being warned to turn off their cellphones, smartwatches, earbuds and other personal electronic devices—and keep them out of sight—as the school begins full enforcement of its “Off and Away All Day” policy Monday, Aug. 31.

New ACHS Principal Michael Burch announced the enforcement plan Sunday evening in a detailed social media post directed to students across the school’s four campuses.

“Attention ACHS Titans! Full enforcement of the ‘Off and Away All Day’ device policy begins on Monday, August 31, 2026 across all campuses,” Burch wrote.

The announcement follows the broader Alexandria City Public Schools policy requiring students to keep personal cellphones and smart devices silenced or turned off, stored away, not visible and not used from the first instructional bell through dismissal.

What devices are included?

According to Burch’s announcement, all personal electronic devices must be turned off and stored out of sight. The policy specifically includes:

• Cellphones
• Smartwatches
• Earbuds and headphones
• Tablets
• Other smart devices

Lockers and backpacks may be used to store the devices. The school’s graphic also states that administrators will have bags and other storage options available when necessary.

Although the principal’s post refers to keeping devices away during “instructional time,” the full ACPS divisionwide policy⁠ defines the requirement as “bell to bell”—from the first instructional bell through dismissal.

That includes classes, lunch, passing periods, restrooms and locker rooms, safety drills and other school-day activities unless a student has an approved exception.

Why the school says it matters

Burch’s announcement listed four reasons for enforcing the policy:

• Maximize learning: Students can focus more, learn more and remember more.
• Reduce distractions: Limiting interruptions allows students to remain present and perform at their best.
• Support academic success: The school says the policy can help students develop better habits, improve their grades and build a brighter future.
• Protect mental health: Reducing device use can lower stress and create opportunities for students to connect with their peers.

The school also said students will receive positive reinforcement for complying with the policy.

What happens when a student violates the policy?

ACHS outlined specific consequences that become progressively more involved with each violation.

First violation: The device will be secured by an administrator, and a parent or guardian must pick it up.

Second violation: The device will again be secured by an administrator and require parent or guardian pickup. The student will also be placed on a two-week check-in/check-out system.

Third violation: The device will be secured and must be picked up by a parent or guardian. A school-parent conference will follow to establish intervention supports and a behavior contract.

Students who are 18 or older may retrieve their own devices after a 24-hour hold. A parent or guardian may pick up the device sooner.

“Give the devices a rest and perform at your best!” Burch told students.

Burch became principal of Alexandria City High School on July 1, succeeding Peter Balas. He previously served in several ACHS leadership positions, including lead administrator for school improvement and operations and lead administrator for operations and student support at the King Street Campus.

Alexandria City High School serves more than 4,500 students across its King Street, Minnie Howard, Satellite and Chance for Change campuses.